December 31, 2008

Great second

The Stars dictated everything in the second period, and thanks to that they have two goals, the lead and 47 seconds remaining on a 5 on 3 when they resume in the third period. The Stars outshot the Devils 18-2 in that period. Yikes. Devils were reduced to just clearing pucks into the Stars' zone but there wasn't anything sustained over there.

Now the question is, how tired are the Devils at the start of the third? They played last night in St. Louis, and I would think the second period took something out of them. But we'll see. Another goal on that 5 on 3 wouldn't hurt.

Great work from a lot of players in that period. I know Jere Lehtinen didn't get that goal he attempted toward the end of the period, the one following James Neal's shot, but he's looking pretty good regardless. Mike Ribeiro having a good game tonight and Mark Parrish one relieved boy. He was willing to shoot a few more times after that, so obviously the goal gave him confidence.